Silje Sletten recently completed her Master's degree in Business Administration, specialising in innovation. A consultancy job at PwC is now waiting for her. There she will work with everything from start-ups seeking to realise new ideas, to larger companies and corporations seeking to take advantage of new opportunities and boost their competitiveness.
Age: 23 Education: MSc in Business Administration Specialisation: Innovation (Now: Sustainable Business Development and Innovation) This is where I live in Stavanger: Bjergsted From: Sandnes
A Master's degree in Business Administration provides you with valuable knowledge and a mindset that can help drive change and create a competitive advantage.
Why did you choose to do a Master's degree in Business Administration at UiS?
I have always wanted to study an academic subject that interests me and provides me with a wide range of opportunities on the job market. Consequently, after completing 6th form college, I applied to do a 5-year integrated Master's degree in Business Administration at the UiS. The University of Stavanger is currently one of the only universities offering innovation as a specialisation as part of its Master's degree programme, and that made my choice of university relatively easy.
The business sector in Stavanger consists of several rapidly growing industries where companies work across the industries. A Master's degree in Business Administration provides you with valuable knowledge and a mindset that can help drive change and create a competitive advantage.
Why did you choose to specialise in Business Development and Innovation?
Business administration is so much more than just numbers and systems. It's just as much about finding solutions to new and existing problems. I am attracted to what I call the "creative" part of the industry where you challenge existing ways of thinking and working in order to create greater assets.
This is what innovation is all about – solving problems by developing new things or improving existing products, processes or business models; in new or existing markets. Innovation occurs in all industries, in small and large enterprises, and is essential for survival under constantly changing market conditions.
What does a typical day of study looks like for you?
The last year of my Master's degree was greatly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with lectures and physical group work largely being replaced by working at home and in Teams meetings. However, during a normal semester, a typical study day has consisted of a couple of lectures during the day, lunch in one of the many great canteens, and a couple of hours in the library or in a rented group room with fellow students. After that, I have normally gone to work as I have always had a part-time job alongside my studies to give me a bit of breathing space.
Tell us about something particularly memorable from your studies.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, I completed a very exciting and instructive internship at Innovation Norway as part of my course. There I was able to put theory into practice and I quickly noticed that there was a lot of interest in my specialist academic field.
My tasks were regarded as being very meaningful and I was able to contribute knowledge and new views both internally in the office, as well as externally in meetings with various clients. I was able to enhance the knowledge of many talented and reflective people, and I gained a great insight into how innovation helps to boost assets and sustainable growth. I continued my collaboration with Innovation Norway in connection with my Master's thesis this spring, and I will also keep in close contact with them this autumn.
How would you describe the study environment at the programme?
There are opportunities available for participating in a wide range of different activities and sports teams. Despite the pandemic, several great events are also held at which considerable focus is placed on social cohesion and inclusion. This includes everything from monthly quizzes at the Tappetårnet student bar, to surfing courses on one of the region's many beautiful beaches.
You got a job before completing your studies. What will you be working on?
Last autumn I landed my dream job as a consultant at PwC in Stavanger. As a consultant specialising in innovation, I will be working with everything from start-up companies seeking to realise new ideas and position themselves in the market, to larger companies and corporations seeking to take advantage of new opportunities and boost their competitiveness.
The regional office in Stavanger has many exciting projects in various industries where I will be working in particular with clients involved with oil and gas, renewable energy and technology. I received a taste of what the region has to offer during my internship at Innovation Norway this autumn, and I am looking forward to a very exciting and varied working day at PwC.
What is your dream job?
Jeg har alltid ønsket meg en jobb med mye variasjon og hvor jeg gleder meg til mandag. Det er viktig at arbeidet I've always wanted a job with a lot of variety where I will look forward to Mondays. It is important that my work is perceived as being meaningful and that I can boost assets and make a difference. I want the opportunity to challenge myself while acquiring valuable knowledge and experiences. The consulting industry has therefore always been an attractive industry because I will have the opportunity to work with many talented people, across all disciplines, in jointly solving the challenges and problems facing the business community.
